|
Tamia Gilliard talks with friends during practice for today's graduation at the University of Mary Washington. With a double major in international affairs and political science, she hopes to one day work in Africa. |
By MELISSA NIX
NIVERSITY of Mary Washington senior Tamia Gilliard overthrew her first government at age 18. And then she became its president.
As a freshman, Gilliard was not happy with the leadership of the black student club, Brothers of a New Direction.
The vice president and president were always late to the meetings and the club had no programming, she said.
"I had them impeached--the president and vice president," Gilliard said. "The members and executive board agreed they were not happy with the leadership. In the spring of my freshman year I became president."
Today, Gilliard will graduate from UMW with a double major in International Affairs and Political Science.
Look out world, she has big plans.
In five years, she hopes to be living full time in Africa.
"Two years ago I would have said Zimbabwe now I'm torn between Kenya and Nigeria."
Ultimately, she wants to work as a legal advocate for communities in developing African countries.
"I see a lot of pro bono work in my future," Gilliard said with a laugh. She added that she will work with humanitarian organizations, "so I can learn more about the country hands on."
To that end, Gilliard plans to obtain a graduate degree in African studies with a minor in French. Then she will pursue her law degree. She's looking at both Georgetown and George Mason University.
In the meantime, Gilliard said she'll stay in the area and work as a paralegal for up to 18 months to save money for her master's degree.
Gilliard said her future goals developed by way of her activism.
As a student lecturer, she often talked with African-American students and others about the "idea of mental slavery and African-Americans overcoming barriers.
"In studying Africa, I noticed a lot of similar limitations and restrictions placed on [Africans] based on a colonial history. It was a short leap to feel that passion."
A glance at Gilliard's resume shows the young woman is goal-oriented and a natural leader.
Other than her work with Brothers of a New Direction, Gilliard mentored children at the Bragg Hill Family Life Center during her first three years at UMW. She graduated as chair of UMW's Judicial Review Board, [resident of the Black Student Association, and head resident of her dormitory, Willard Hall.
She was director and choreographer of a dance club she founded, Nuances; a delegate at the Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference this spring, and received a Diversity Scholarship each year of her UMW career.
How does she manage it all?
"If I only had two things to do, I wouldn't get them done," Gilliard said.
She said she wants to help her community, not be a burden.
"I can't allow myself to be lax," Gilliard said. "My parents support me and I have a loving family. I have no excuse."
To reach MELISSA NIX:
Email: mnix@freelancestar.com
